PENDLETON — The InterMountain Education Service District encourages students, parents, staff and community members to nominate a great teacher in the IMESD district for 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year. The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, sponsors the Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year awards to honor exemplary educators in every region of the state. Nominations may be submitted through Jan. 31. Anyone can nominate a teacher at www.oregonteacheroftheyear.org/nominate.

Oregon Education Service Districts will select a winner from their region and the selected teachers will be honored in May. In September, one of the Regional Teachers of the Year will be named the 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year. Regional Teachers of the Year will receive a cash prize of $500 and will be celebrated across the state. The 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash prize (with a matching $5,000 going to his or her school) and serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.